for 2012 and where and if they fit. From a size/strength/quickness/athleticism they seem like guys we could develop in the rotation and played at top schools. Any thoughts on whether they might surprise now that there are openings?

I'd forgotten about Al Woods. Even less reason/need to draft a DE, or at least to draft one high. Right now, they have Cameron Heyward and Al Woods as back-ups and Corbin Bryant on the practice squad. They liked Al Woods in the draft and supposedly were looking to draft him in the 4th round when the Saints drafted him, and they drafted Thaddeus Gibson instead. Obviously they liked him enough to pick him up when they had the chance. I think it's possible that he becomes a valuable backup.

I thought that Al Woods could be a good guy to play a 3-4 DE when seeing him play at LSU. The fact that the Steelers are looking at a few guys in the draft tells me they dont have high hopes for Woods, but you never know.

Weston will have to beat out McClendon or any other rookie that is drafted. I think he is a long shot to make the 53.

The 53 man roster is the one to get on. Hopefully that both will do well. Because don't know who will do well. It is playing with heart and soul. That will get you on there. Good luck to both. As it seems it is anybody's game to be on that roster.

in my opinion, Casey Hampton, Brett Keisel, Ziggy Hood, Cameron Heyward and Steve McLendon are locks to make the 53-man roster, although Hampton may start the season on the PUP list.

fighting for the last one or two additional roster spots will be Corbin Bryant, Al Woods, Kade Weston and most likely a rookie NT who will be drafted so I would say Al Woods and Kade Weston are long shots to make the team.